The Speciality of the Name of John

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:57-66, 80*

*First Reading : Is 49:1-6*

*Solemnity of John the Baptist*

*The Speciality of the Name of John*

*1) The Name meaning of John*

The Gospel of the day makes it very clear that, He will called as John 

Both Zachariah and Elizabeth had only one name, that is John 

John means *God is Gracious* In and through John we experience the Grace of God

John's life and Mission shows that God is really gracious towards His people  

*2) Other Meanings of John the Baptist*

We can see beautiful meanings, hidden in the name of John Baptist, which shows his personality and Mission 

*J - Just Man* 

J stands for Just or Justice. John was a just man and He fought for what was just and True 

*O - Obedient Man*

The obedience of John was really marvelous. His obedience to the Mission of God and also His obedience to Jesus also seen in His preaching and in His mission 

*H - Humble Man*

Humility of John is marvelous. *I must decrease and he must increase*. This was the attitude of John. I am not worthy to untie the sandals. This shows the height of his humility

*N - Noble Man*

John was a noble man. His mission, his preaching, his way of life, His courage and His sacrifice of life for the truth shows the nobility of John 

*B - Bold/Blessed Man*

His boldness is seen in his courage to condemn the evil done by Herod. He was not frightened of Herod 

He was also a Blessed Man because of the Holy Spirit and His role in preparing the way for the Lord

*A - Austere Man*

Austerity of John can be seen in his dress, in His food and in the strict discipline of His life 

*P - Pure Man*

Purity of John is seen in his Mission for the Lord. No one can see any faults in the life of John. His mind is pure, His heart is pure and His life is pure 

*T - Trustworthy Man*

Since He was a trustworthy man, God gave him the highest responsibility of preparing the way for Messiah

He became the precursor of Messiah because of His trustworthiness to God, to his mission and to the other 

*I - Impartial Man*

We see no partiality in the life of John. He was a straightforward person. He condemned evil and upheld the truth. 

*S- Simple Man*

Simplicity of the life of John made him great in the sight of God. His simplicity is seen in His, food, clothing and in his life style 

*T - Great Teacher*

To his knowledge and to His wisdom, John is a great teacher, from whom many learnt the lessons for life, many got converted from the past life and to many he was a guide to prepare themselves to receive the Messiah

*3) Name has a meaning and Mission*

From the life of John it is clear that evey name has a beautiful and divine meaning and a divine mission 

John very well understood the meaning and mission of his name and lived accordingly. That's why His name became eternal 

What about my name?

What is the divine meaning of my life? 

What is the divine mission for my life?

When we keep names for our children, let's find out the divine meaning if those names and the mission hidden in the names 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*